Gus Lesnevich vs. Tami Mauriello (1st meeting)
Gus Lesnevich 175 lbs beat Tami Mauriello 171 lbs by SD in round 15 of 15
- Date: 1941-08-26
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
- Referee: Eddie Joseph 5-10
- Judge: Bill Healy 8-6
- Judge: John Potter 8-7
National Boxing Association World Light Heavyweight Title
Vacant NYSAC World Light Heavyweight Title
- Mauriello was down for a 9-count in the second round.
- Lesnevich was a 5-to-7 favorite.
- This bout opened the boxing season at Madison Square Garden in New York.
"Gus Lesnevich, Cliffside, N.J., is the new light heavyweight champion of the world, but he'll have to prove his right to the title all over again on November 14th. Gus won the 175 pound crown on a split decision over Tami Mauriello of the Bronx last night but the verdict was so unpopular, promoter Mike Jacobs promptly got the boys to agree to an encore. Lesnevich started fast, jabbing Tami's head repeatedly. He won the first two rounds, a left hook dropping Mauriello for a 9-count in the 2nd. Gus took the 3rd and 4th also, ripping open a deep cut on Tami's left eye in the 4th. Mauriello realized he had to get going and, as Gus went into a shell, rallied to take the next three heats. Tami, after trailing early, closed fast and apparently had won the fight." -International News Service
- Pandemonium reigned when ring announcer Harry Balogh announced to the crowd, "The winner and new light heavyweight champion of the world..." As Lesnevich was already the NBA 175 lb. champ, the crowd immediately believed Mauriello was the new champ. A fact that escaped Balogh as he was attempting to announce Lesnevich as the new NYSAC champion.
- Attendance - 8,694
- Gate - $20,501
Unofficial scorecards
- INS - 8-6-1 Mauriello
- AP - 8-7 Mauriello
- UP - 6-6-3 Draw